With conservation at their core, Classic Zambia Safaris is led by seasoned safari experts who blend high-quality wildlife viewing and specialized guiding to create a distinctive guest experience. As one of the few remaining owner-run operations in Zambia, a country renowned for its rich wildlife heritage, their camps are situated in the heart of two premier national parks. These locations serve as ideal bases for exploring and immersing oneself in the unparalleled beauty of African wildlife.
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Origin
The pioneering origins of all camps within the company stem from a shared vision to protect Zambia's wild areas.
Classic Zambia, although a new entity in name, is backed by extensive experience. It was formed by merging three existing and successful companies: Jeffery and McKeith Safaris in Kafue National Park, Tusk and Mane Safaris in Lower Zambezi, and Reel Nature Ltd (a mobile safari and film crew fixing and support company). Recognizing the collective benefits, the directors decided to consolidate their efforts under one banner.
The new Classic Zambia aims to build upon the successful products of its predecessors without diluting their essence. The merger has streamlined logistics and operations, resulting in cost and time savings. With the increased demand for combined safari experiences in both Kafue National Park and Lower Zambezi, the shared ethos and emphasis on high-quality guided experiences have become more sought after.
Meet the Founders
Luke Evans and Kyle Branch joined forces in 2015 to fulfill Luke's childhood dream of establishing a safari business in Zambia. With an operating license for three unique sites in the Lower Zambezi National Park, they founded "Tusk and Mane Safaris," now known as Classic Zambia Safaris, with camps such as Kutali and Chula Island gaining recognition.
Luke, a native of Monze, Zambia, grew up immersed in safari culture, while Kyle, from Tzaneen, South Africa, honed his wildlife passion and guiding skills in Kruger National Park and with & Beyond Safari Company.
Tyrone McKeith and Phil Jeffery, who met during their studies at the Durrell Institute of Conservation Ecology in the UK, shared a vision of establishing an ethical safari business in the Kafue National Park. Their camps, Musekese and Ntemwa-Busanga, are renowned for their safari experience and commitment to conservation.
Phil, a Zambian, and Tyrone, from Windsor, UK, are proud of their conservation efforts through Musekese Conservation. Duncan Scott, General Manager at Classic Zambia, brings his diverse skills from the farming sector and experience in wildlife film production to the team.
Why classic Zambia?
Prime Locations
High density of large carnivores
Owner Run
From reservations to in-camp guiding
Quality Guides
Some of Africa’s finest
Ease of Booking
Internal logistics and transfers covered
Conservation
The reason we exist
Sustainability
Conservation is at the heart of what they do, ensuring both nature and local communities thrive together.
Musekese Conservation
A charity founded by us to protect the local people and wildlife of the Kafue National Park from poaching.
Guide Training
They invest in training individuals who are passionate about preserving the natural world, shaping them into ambassadors for Africa's great national parks. Kyle Branch, one of the directors, is a prominent professional guide trainer in Africa. As a co-founder of the TEVETA national accreditation syllabus and examinations for Zambia's professional guides, Kyle is dedicated to training Zambians, including their own group of young, motivated wildlife enthusiasts who often accompany guests on safaris.
CLZ Support
They are long-standing supporters of the work conducted by the highly efficient and effective conservation organization Conservation Lower Zambezi, or 'CLZ'. Through both financial contributions and in-kind support, they collaborate closely with CLZ and the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) to bolster conservation efforts and law enforcement in the wilderness area.
Sustainability
They do not endorse awards or excessive marketing related to being environmentally friendly. They firmly believe that ecological consciousness is an essential aspect of being a safari operator in the present era, considering sustainability as non-negotiable. All their camps operate solely on solar power, including water pumps, eliminating the need for diesel generators. They meticulously manage waste disposal, ensuring selected products are disposed of outside wildlife reserves. Prior to disposal, they procure produce in a sustainably conscious manner, including home-grown vegetables and locally sourced meats, to minimize plastic waste and excess. Their careful procurement and logistics planning reduces unnecessary transport and fuel use, with a focus on purchasing materials and produce from nearby communities.
Local Skills Training
Poaching and other illegal activities often appeal to impoverished communities in nearby villages. By providing employment opportunities and associated livelihood training and skill development, local residents can secure legitimate work and thrive without turning to illegal activities. They take pride in promoting young Zambian talent, offering promising junior staff opportunities to grow and develop within and outside of Classic Zambia.
Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Justin Chappelle
3 hours ago
The persons I spoke with knew the material. I wont know until I actually take the trip if it was all correct but at this point they were helpful in finding a trip that met my criteria
SS
4 days ago
Creating a checklist was very beneficial and meeting objectives on certain dates helped as well (to keep my trip organized). The Adventure Travel personnel helped keep me on track which is why my trip was so successful. Communication from both travel agencies (AT/MT) was vital.
Iziah Carthens
5 days ago
This is an amazing company to work with. I generally do not use tour companies as I am more of an independent traveller so I was slightly reticent. They were fantastic from the start - 10/10 - from lining up a phone call to discuss requirements, then their ongoing communication in the lead up to the tour and during it (thank you, Franny and Phen). They also explored cost-effective options (eg group transfers). The tour was in Patagonia so Adventure Life organised a pickup from the El Calafate airport to the El Chalten accommodation, two day hikes with a private guide and then to the El Calafate accommodation. A tour coordinator came to the hotel to explain, using the maps, what was involved in each day tour and what should be expected, and patiently answered all questions. The tour guide Marcos was excellent - very professional, knowledgable, communicative and at all times felt very safe with his navigational skills (important in the Patagonian wilderness). On the second day I forgot to take hiking poles so Marcos kindly gave me his. I honestly wouldn't have changed a thing and would happily recommend and book through them again.
Petrina Sta
1 week ago
Adventure Life has been great throughout my planning process for our up and coming Galapagos cruise. Kevin Moore, in particular, was very helpful in assisting me in making choices and providing me with options. He was also very patient, as I worked through figuring out what I really wanted in this vacation.
Lucy Greenway
1 week ago
Adventure Life was a pleasure to work with. They helped us find different options for our charter and answered a lot of questions with patience and clarity.
